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Patrons using a Benton Public Library Card or an SWLS member library card agree:

1. To abide by all library policies
2. To pay all overdue fines for materials charged to the card
3. To pay for any lost of damaged materials charged to the card
4. To assume full responsibility for items charged to the card when the patron has allowed another individual to use the card
5. To assume full responsibility for items the patron has checked out and has knowingly or unknowingly allowed someone else to use.
6. To assume full responsibility for times charged to the card when the card has been lost or stolen and the patron has failed to notify the library
7. To report promptly lost of stolen cards
8. To report promptly a change of address or phone number

COMPUTER, INTERNET, AND WIFI POLICIES                

1. Users of Library Computers or Wireless Services MUST:
   • sign in before using a Library computer (name, date, and starting time required)
   • be given access to the computer/internet policies before signing in. Policy information will be provided next to the sign in sheet and at computer stations.
   • adhere to a Library computer time limit of 1 Hour. Library staff reserves the right to limit or extend computer use and/or wireless services.
   • be considerate of other users; use headphones for sound
2. Users of Library Computers or Wireless Services MAY NOT:
   • turn Library computers on or off
   • change any Library computer settings
   • save anything to Library computers (users, however, may save to their own personal transportable drives)
   • have an expectation of privacy (Library staff reserves the right to monitor computer and electronic devices used in the Library)
   • hold Library or Library staff responsible for any damages to users’ equipment or data
3. Users of Library Computers or Library Wireless Services ARE PROHIBITED FROM:
   • viewing and/or transmitting pornography or obscene images
   • engaging in any illegal activities
   • engaging in any activity that causes damage to Library hardware or software (users will be charged the cost of repair or reimbursement for damages)
   
4. Printing costs 15¢ for Black and White / 20¢ for Color / 50¢ for Fax

Failure to follow the Library policies may result in loss of computer use and/or wireless access for thirty (30) days for the first offense and six (6) months for the second offense.

LIBRARY MATERIAL HOLDS

Requested library materials will be held for up to one week (7 days). If the patron has not picked up the “on-hold” item within the seven-day period, it may be checked out to another patron (or returned to the lending library if it is an interlibrary loan).

LOST OR STOLEN CARDS

Lost or stolen library cards should be reported to the library immediately so the card can be deactivated. Patrons will not be held responsible for materials charged to their card after the card has been reported lost of stolen. All materials charged to a card prior to its being reported lost or stolen still remain the responsibility of the patron. Patrons may request a replacement card in accordance with the Library Card Policy.

DAMAGED MATERIALS

If materials are damaged so as to be judged by the library as being unsuitable for the collection, the patron must pay the replacement cost.

OVERDUE NOTICES

Due to increasing cost of mailing services, no overdue notices are mailed to patrons. Patrons providing an email address may opt to receive overdue notices generated through Southwest Wisconsin Library System’s automated service. The absence of an overdue notices does not alter the borrower’s responsibility for an item.

LOST AND UNRETURNED MATERIALS

Materials not returned within 90 days of the final due date are considered “lost,” and the cost of replacement of the materials will be the responsibility of the patron. A service fee for processing, cataloging, and postage may also be charged. Should the lost item be found at a later date, it may not be returned for a refund.

PAYMENT OF CHARGES BILLED TO PATRONS

If a patron is billed for damaged, lost, or unreturned Library materials, payment of those charges must be made within 30 days of billing. Failure to pay will result in the patron being in violation of WIsconsin State Statute 943.61 (Theft of Library Material), and the Librarian may turn the matter over to the Benton Police Department.

CHECKOUT RESTRICTIONS FOR PATRONS UNDER 18

Patrons must be 18 or older to check out items rated R or MA (mature audience) unless permission is given by the parent/guardian. With the exception of items rated R or MA, anyone of any age whose account is in Good Standing may check out any item available for check-out from this Library. Parent/Guardians are responsible for determining which materials are appropriate or not appropriate for their children.

COVID-19
Wisconsin Statutes authorize the library board:

(1) to establish policies that determine how the library serves the public, and
(2) to establish policies that govern board operations and library management.

In light of the dangers of COVID-19 the Board has also decided to:

• if need be in the future, require appointments for all services;
  • Call: 759-2665
  • Email: circ@bentonpubliclibrary.com
• if quarantine procedures are needed again, limit the number of patrons to five at any one time
• continue curb-side service
• provide computer time
• provide access to printers